ANC Blog

Sunday mornings in Pebbles Nursery and Rock City Kids (Kids Min) includes fellowship, mentoring, worship, spiritual growth, teaching, application, and of course fun. God is doing incredible things in our kid’s lives and we should celebrate and praise Him for it.

Fellowship
When you walk in on a Sunday morning the classroom can look a little chaotic. There are a lot games and activities, kids are hanging out, laughing, talking, moving from one activity to another, and being loud. It looks very unorganized and pointless. But actually this chaotic time is designed to look like this. Kids are meant to be moving through the room doing whatever they want and hanging out This 20 minutes is designed to be 20 minutes of friendship building. Kids being kids with other kids and creating bonds with other Christians that will outlast Kids Min. Creating relationship during fun moments that will help and hold them through the hard moments in life, now and in their youth and adulthood.

Every week when kids come into the classroom they are asking if their friends are there. They have a plan on who they want to see and what they want to do with them. But it doesn’t stop there because they are welcoming and ready to add in anyone who asks to play or a new kid that gets introduce to them. There is no judgement or leaving kids to sit in the corner, everyone is doing something with someone and it is a wonderful sight to see.

Mentoring
There is a kid who absolutely loves Nathalie, one of our volunteers, and the first question at Check-In is always “Is Miss. Nathalie here today?” and if the answer is no then he goes and mopes in a corner for 2 minutes before finding something to do. She is an important part of church to him because she listens to him and is excited to hear about his life. When she teaches him something, comments on his life or corrects his actions, it matters and he listens. Because she is important to him, her opinions are important and he knows that she cares about him.

There are three girls who really love to draw. They make drawings every week and in September were very shy about showing them to the leaders and asking what they thought. The leaders have been very supportive and the girls’ art has gotten really good. The girls now ask for criticism and tell the leaders’ what they can do better in their own drawings. This is a great connection point where great friendships with leaders are being created.

Worship
Kids Min took over the main stage twice this year to encourage the adults to dance and worship with their whole bodies. It was a lot of fun and Sunday morning worship is always loud and from the heart in Kids Min.

Spiritual Growth
Julia, the Children’s Ministry Director, gets her lessons interrupted by questions a lot. But if you asked her if it bothers her, it doesn’t, in fact she welcomes it. The questions are how the kids learn, how they take the knowledge they are being given and figure out why it matters to them and what they need to do with it. After a lesson a few kids always come to Julia or other leaders and ask more questions. Kids are hungry to know Jesus and being able to help them on their journey is an wonderful gift.

Teaching
Did you know that Daune, another one of our volunteers, might or might not have a twin brother from the south? He visited us for a Sunday morning sing-a-long. Daune had to run an errand and didn’t want us to be a volunteer short, so we got a special teacher. He told us about how Jesus loves us, reminded us that worship can be just a guitar and voices, that worship can happen all day everyday and the kids still talk about this lesson months later.

June 2023’s series has been Ever After; crazy true stories in the Bible. The kids have been amazed by the different fairytale like stories that seem so imaginative but are totally true and can be found in the Bible. They take great joy in discovering stories and learning the crazy, strange, wonderful, bizarre, real things that God has done.

Application
December 2022 was Kids Min second year of Advent Boxes. Advent Boxes are 24 days of crafts and activities for families to take home and complete together. They are designed to get kids reading their Bibles, making notes and applying their knowledge to their lives. Every Sunday there was a Bible passage to read a prompt to write or draw their favourite part. There was a memory verse to learn (in Kids Min we often talk about the importance of keeping verses in our heart and mind so that we can use them for comfort and strength), families were encouraged to practice together and over the month many kids were able to tell their leaders the verse. 2022’s theme was Joy to the World, spreading the Good News to the whole world. There were actives that asked them to tell others about the Good News of Jesus’ birth and on Sunday mornings we talked about how to share the news in practical ways and challenged kids to tell their friends and families about what God has done.

Fun
VBS 2022 was a huge hit! Detective Carll helped kids uncover the mysteries of Jesus’ life and how what He did so long ago, impacts us today and tomorrow and for eternity. 73 kids attended from churches all over the city and learned about Jesus. It was a wild 4 days of fun, activities, learning, and friendship building.

The Kids Min Check-In hallway gets new decorations for every new theme. Julia and her volunteer make a lot of the decor, but the kids also help out. In May 2023 the kids made messages about Jesus to announce to anyone walking through the hallway that they are loved and tell them the story of Jesus’ life and impact on the world.

Pebbles Nursery
Pebbles Nursery has been running in the Rock City Kids room since reopening Kids Min in 2021. It has been a bit of a challenge as having toddlers in the bigger kids classroom can be a little chaotic, but it has lead to some amazing opportunities for our older kids to be able to take on some leadership roles. Spring 2023 Pebbles was reopened by Alen the Nursery Supervisor.

With Father’s Day just recently past, I had the opportunity to reflect a little bit of what fatherhood means to me. Fathers, grandfathers, and father figures have been a source of guidance, love, and strength throughout our journey. They have been the steady hands that lifted us up, the warm voices that offered encouragement, and the quiet presence that provided security. This week, reflect and choose to honor and celebrate these remarkable individuals who have left an indelible mark on our lives.

A Foundation of Love: Fatherhood is grounded in love, which forms the bedrock of a family. Our fathers have consistently shown their affection, embracing us with open arms and nurturing us with care. They have been our protectors, shielding us from harm and teaching us to navigate life’s challenges. On this special day, let us express our gratitude for the unconditional love our fathers have bestowed upon us, recognizing the profound impact it has had on shaping our lives.
Lessons in Integrity and Character: Fathers serve as beacons of integrity, teaching us the importance of honesty, responsibility, and respect. They lead by example, demonstrating the values they hold dear through their actions. From the simple acts of kindness to the moral choices they make, our fathers have instilled in us a strong sense of right and wrong. As we commemorate Father’s Day, let us honor their teachings by striving to embody those same virtues in our own lives.
Encouragement and Support: Fathers have an incredible ability to encourage and uplift us. They believe in our potential, cheering us on as we pursue our dreams. Whether it’s a word of wisdom, a comforting embrace, or a listening ear, our fathers have been our unwavering support system. This week, let us acknowledge the invaluable role they have played in our personal growth and accomplishments, appreciating the motivation and guidance they have provided along the way.
Fathers as Spiritual Leaders: Within the context of our faith community, fathers often play a crucial role as spiritual leaders. They guide their families on a path of devotion, teaching us the principles of faith, compassion, and humility. As we honour our fathers on this day, we recognize the spiritual legacy they have passed down to us and acknowledge their role in nurturing our relationship with God.
Father’s Day offers us an opportunity to honor the influential men in our lives, celebrating their love, sacrifices, and unwavering support. It is a time for expressing gratitude, acknowledging the lessons they have imparted, and cherishing the memories we share. Happy Father’s Day!

The sun has finally begun shining! As we wave goodbye to spring and feel the warmth of the sun on our faces, we’re standing at the threshold of a brand new season—summer! It’s a time of plentiful blessings, fresh beginnings, and exciting opportunities for spiritual growth. So, let’s gather ’round as we dive into the significance of summer in our lives and within our faith.

Soaking Up Nature’s Symphony: Summer is like a symphony composed by God himself. The trees whisper in the breeze, and the birds serenade us with their joyful tunes. It’s a perfect time to bask in the beauty of God’s creation and give thanks for the abundance surrounding us. Let’s take a moment to marvel at the wonders of our Heavenly Father and express gratitude for the blessings He’s showered upon us.

Rest, Rejuvenation, and Soul-Searching: Summer is an open invitation to hit the pause button, recharge our batteries, and reconnect with our inner selves and with God. It’s a season for relaxation, whether through vacations, strolls in nature, or quiet moments of prayer. Let’s embrace this chance to replenish our spirits, reflect on our faith journey, and draw nearer to God.
Fellowship and Fun: As the days grow longer and the temperature rises, summer creates the perfect environment for community-building and cherished connections within our church family. It’s time to come together, enjoy picnics, and celebrate outdoors. Let’s embrace one another with open arms, appreciating the unique diversity that enriches our congregation and cherishing the bonds that unite us as brothers and sisters in Christ.

Spreading Sunshine Through Service: Lastly, summer provides us countless ways to spread God’s love to those in need. As we bask in the warmth of the season, let’s keep those who are less fortunate in our hearts and seek out opportunities to serve our community. We can volunteer at local organizations (like the Elgin Street Mission), organize outreach programs, or simply lend a helping hand to our neighbors. Let’s be a tangible expression of God’s love, making a positive difference in the world around us.
Remember, just as summer brings abundance and growth to the world, it also holds the promise of spiritual abundance and growth in our lives.

So, let’s seize this opportunity for joy, transformation, and embracing God’s blessings. Wishing you a blessed and joyful summer!

Over the last number of months, I have had the privilege of serving regularly at The Elgin Street Mission, most recently becoming captain of the Wednesday night team. It has proven to be a rewarding experience, where I have learned from the guests, and seen the importance of helping Sudbury’s vulnerable population. Founded by Gary Newbury in 1989, it has grown from serving 8 people on its first night, to needing to provide support to over 200 people every day.

Even though it is one of the most important organizations in our city for caring for the vulnerable, many Sudburians do not know what they do. The Elgin Street Mission is one of the 3 organizations contained in the Samaritan Centre. The most commonly known thing that the mission provides is breakfast and dinner, every day, 365 days per year. But they also do so much more! They provide clothing, shower facilities, a drop-in centre, pastoral care and weekly church services. The Blue Door Soup Kitchen serves lunch through the week and Teen Challenge (the newest tenant to the centre), provides addiction and rehab assistance to those 18 and up.

All Nations Church has provided much support to the Mission over the last number of years with our Cookies for Christ program, and sponsoring one night a month with volunteers. We also have the privilege of sponsoring a BBQ this Wednesday for the guests with black angus beef hamburgers! Our own Pastor Gerry is on the Community Care team, who work at the mission to fund all of the services provided.

But this work can’t continue without all of our help. As the opioid crisis worsens and society recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, there are more and more people needing to be served. If you can, we urge you to sign up to volunteer for a team (my team is on Wednesday nights!) or donate to the organization. Donations can be done monetarily, or through purchasing food. Their most needed food items are coffee mate, coffee (not instant or k-cups), canned sandwich meat, pasta and pasta sauce.

We had the absolute blessing and privilege to have the Watoto Children’s Choir join us on last week! As I reflected on this event, I wanted to take the opportunity to share some of my thoughts about the concert, the organization and some other information about taking further action.

The Watoto Children’s Choir is choir composed of children from Uganda, who because of diseases, poverty and other life situations have become orphans. The choir was founded in 1984 in Kampala by Canadians Pastor Gary and Marylin Skinner when they started Kampala Pentecostal Church. Since then, they have grown considerably and currently have over 3000 children in their care, providing them education, medical care and most importantly love. They also provide job training for women, partner with schools across the country and have begun expanding to other countries in need such as war-torn Sudan.

What struck me about this choir and the kids we met wasn’t just how great the organization has been for Uganda, but how on fire for God these kids are. Even though many, if not all, had stories of poverty and sadness, they exuded a joy and faith in God that was inspiring. I think of the story in the Bible where Jesus instructs us to have faith like a little child, and Watoto was a prime example of what Jesus meant. The kids showed it through the way they talked about God, the way they prayed and the way they sang that God was who they relied on. We heard a moving rendition of No Longer Slaves (Bethel Music) sung by the choir and it was clear they believed every word. We also got to hear a testimony from one young woman who talked of being orphaned, abandoned and sexually abused, only to be saved by Watoto. She proudly told us that this year, she graduated with a bachelors of human resources and was looking forward to all that God had in store for her.

While we encourage you to pray for this ministry, I also want to encourage you to seriously consider how you can partner with this organization in the future. You can sponsor an orphan for just $41 dollars a month, (less than $1.50 each day) and help them see that same faith and future with God.

As a parent, you want nothing but the best for your children. You want them to be healthy, happy, and to live long, fulfilling lives. Unfortunately, there are many dangers out there that can threaten their health and wellbeing. One such danger is vaping. Vaping has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among young people. In speaking to one grade 9 youth, I was told that it seemed like more than 60% of people at their high school vaped, and that if someone didn’t, they 100% knew someone who did.
Many people see it as a safer alternative to smoking, but the truth is that vaping is far from safe. In fact, it can be incredibly dangerous, especially for young people whose bodies are still developing.
There are many reasons why vaping is dangerous. One of the biggest is that it can lead to addiction. Vaping devices are often designed to deliver high levels of nicotine, which is highly addictive. This can make it incredibly difficult for young people to quit vaping once they start.
Nicotine addiction can also have serious consequences for young people’s health. Nicotine can harm the developing brain, which can lead to learning and attention problems. It can also increase the risk of mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
Another danger of vaping is that it can damage the lungs. Vaping devices deliver a mix of chemicals and metals, which can irritate the lungs and cause inflammation. This can lead to a range of respiratory problems, including chronic bronchitis and asthma.
Vaping can also expose young people to other harmful substances. Many vaping liquids contain flavorings, which can be made from a variety of chemicals. Some of these chemicals have been linked to lung disease and other health problems. In addition, some vaping liquids have been found to contain heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium, which can be toxic.
As Christian parents, it’s important to take these dangers seriously. Our bodies are a gift from God, and we are called to take care of them. This means doing everything we can to protect our children’s health and wellbeing.
Addressing vaping before it occurs is obviously the best alternative. Talk to your child about the dangers of vaping. Explain to them that vaping is not safe and can have serious consequences for their health. Encourage them to make healthy choices and to avoid harmful substances. You can also set a good example by not vaping yourself. Children are more likely to take up vaping if they see their parents doing it. By not vaping, you can show your child that you take their health and wellbeing seriously.
But believe it or not, there is a likelihood that your child has already tried vaping, or is doing it on a regular basis. If that is the case, there are also a number of steps you can follow. The first is opening the door of communication, and ask questions to help you understand better. Questions you can ask include: What made you want to start?, What triggers your cravings?, What’s been stressing you out? and How could I help make quitting easier?. As well, you must remember to be patient, this is an addiction and if your student wants to quit, it can be a long process, that is difficult for both of you. Finally, help them to make a plan to quit, this can include removing the temptation, activities they can do when feeling tempted or seeking further help from a doctor or professional.
Remember, it’s never too late to make positive changes and to protect your child’s health and well-being!

Mother’s Day is a special time of the year when we show our appreciation for the women who have loved, nurtured, and guided us throughout our lives. As we reflect on the sacrifices our mothers have made for us, we can’t help but think about the valuable lessons they have taught us along the way. Proverbs 31:31 says “Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” In this blog post, I’d like to share some of the things I’ve learned from my mom.
Hard work pays off.
My mom has always been a hard worker. She worked full-time to provide for our family while also taking care of my sisters and I. She taught me the importance of working hard and never giving up, no matter how difficult things may seem. I’ve applied this lesson to my own life and have seen the benefits of perseverance and dedication. When we take the time to work hard, and put our faith in God, He is faithful to guide us to success.
Honesty is the best policy.
My mom has always been honest with me, even when it wasn’t easy. She taught me the importance of being truthful and transparent in all aspects of life. This lesson has helped me build trust with others and maintain healthy relationships based on mutual respect and honesty. I’m reminded of Ephesians 4:25 “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbour, for we are all members of one body.”
Be kind to others.
My mom has a kind and generous heart. She has always gone out of her way to help others, whether it be by volunteering her time at church or talking to a friend who needs it. She taught me the importance of being kind to others and giving back to the community. This lesson has helped me develop empathy and compassion for others and has inspired me to make a positive impact on the world.
In conclusion, our mothers are some of the most influential people in our lives. They teach us valuable lessons that shape who we are and how we interact with the world. I am grateful for the lessons my mom has taught me and will carry them with me for the rest of my life. Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms out there!

So, you might be wondering, do Christian denominations really matter? It’s a fair question. After all, aren’t we all supposed to be following the same God and the same Bible? The truth is, there are real differences between different Christian denominations. These differences might be theological, cultural, or practical in nature, but they exist nonetheless.
Some people argue that these differences are necessary for maintaining doctrinal purity and preserving the unique traditions and practices of different groups within the Christian faith. Others argue that denominationalism can be divisive and that it undermines the unity of the body of Christ.
So, where does that leave us? Well, I think the answer is unity. As Christians, we all share a common faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. That’s what matters most. Our ultimate goal is to live in fellowship with God and with one another. In John 17:21, Jesus prayed that all of his followers would be one, just as he and the Father are one. This unity is not just a nice ideal – it’s an essential part of our witness to the world.
Now, that’s not to say that we should ignore our differences or compromise on important matters of faith. We should still hold true to our beliefs and convictions. But we should approach those differences with humility and a willingness to listen and learn from one another. When we focus on our shared beliefs and our common goal of serving God, we can overcome the divisions that exist between different Christian denominations.
So, why is unity so important? Well, for one thing, it’s a powerful witness to the world. When we’re united, we show the world that our faith is not just a collection of isolated groups, but a vibrant and unified body that is committed to the love and grace of God. It’s also important for our own spiritual growth. When we’re in community with other believers, we can encourage and support one another in our efforts to follow Christ.
In conclusion, Christian denominations do matter, but they don’t have to be a barrier to unity. As Christians, we should strive to work together and to seek common ground wherever possible. When we do that, we can show the world what it means to be part of the body of Christ – a diverse and unified community that is committed to serving God and one another.

Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper t, is a sacred practice that is observed by many Christian churches around the world. It involves the sharing of bread and wine or grape juice as a symbol of the body and blood of Jesus Christ. While some churches celebrate Communion monthly or on special occasions, other churches like All Nations Church choose to observe this practice every week. In this devotional, we will explore the reasons why our church chooses to do Communion each week.
First and foremost, Communion is a way to remember Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. In Luke 22:19-20, Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me.” By taking Communion every week, we’re keeping Jesus’ teachings and sacrifice fresh in our minds. It’s a way to reflect on the significance of his death and resurrection.

Another reason why some churches do Communion every week is to promote unity within the church community. In 1 Corinthians 10:17, Paul said, “Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.” By sharing the same bread and cup, we’re reminded that we’re all part of the same body of Christ, despite our differences. It’s a way to come together and recognize our shared identity as followers of Jesus.

Lastly, Communion is a chance to recommit ourselves to God and to each other. In 1 Corinthians 11:27-28, Paul said, “Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.” By taking Communion every week, we have the opportunity to reflect on our own lives and recommit ourselves to living out God’s teachings. It’s also a chance to ask for forgiveness and reconcile with others in the church community.

So, there you have it! Communion is a powerful and meaningful practice that can serve as a weekly reminder of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, a way to promote unity within the church community, and a way to recommit ourselves to God and to each other. While some churches may choose to celebrate Communion less frequently, may we all continue to partake in Communion with reverence and gratitude for the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Easter was a few weeks ago and as the Children’s Ministry Director it is very important to choose the best way to teach the Easter message. There are a lot of different ages in my classroom and Jesus’ death is a heavy but important topic. I (and the Church) want to be teaching truth in a way that kids can understand but also does not diminish the truth.

Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection matters. It matters as much to a sinner of 50 or a sinner of 5. We are all humans who put things ahead of God, we all sin and fall short of His glory, we all make decisions that grieve His heart. But the good news of the Gospel and of Jesus’ sacrifice means that we can be reconciled to God. Those who believe, accept, and trust in Jesus are saved. That is the very basis of our faith.

Now how do we teach this to children, how do we tell them the truth of the evils in the world and the hope that exists because of Christ? The first thing to think about is that Children can see the sin and brokenness of this world, although we shelter them from many terrible things and prevent them (as much as is possible) from learning of certain things too young, sin is very prevalent in this world and kids are not immune to sinning or to feeling its consequences. This makes them knowing the hope and future that Jesus promises all the more important.

Seeing the sin in the world does not mean that we need to tell small children about everything that is wrong in the world. We can still protect them and not explain evil that they do not need to know about in details. “People being very mean to each other and hurting each other out of selfishness” is a suitable replacement for sins that they don’t need to know about in detail. But we need to be careful to not edit the world and the Bible to in a way that changes the story and runs the risk of lying to them. Jesus was tortured and suffered, that is a fact and to change that fact sets the story on a foundation of lies. It might go over easier right now, but when the kids get older and learn the true facts there will be problems.

Children are capable and always learning, they will decipher the world around them whether we like it or not. We need to be the teachers of truth in their lives. This applies to parents, guardians, and teachers, but it also applies to any of those in the church who interact with children. When you are asked a question, answer honestly, do not be afraid of the truth. Children are smart, they are building their faith and understanding of the world, the things they learn at young ages build the foundations for their beliefs for the rest of their lives.

A child who is upset over the pain that Jesus went through will not benefit from the answer “Oh Jesus didn’t suffer too bad, it was just a little boo-boo.” it might make them less upset now, but it does not help them come to terms with the magnitude of the sacrifice that Jesus made. A better answer would be “Jesus was hurt very badly and it is sad, but He rose again and He is in heaven waiting for us and giving us hope for life with Him.” Truth is important to God and should be important to all of those who deliver His message.

Do not be afraid of the truth and do not underestimate children’s abilities to understand the truth. Ages 5 and 50 both deserve the hope, healing, and new life that comes from the Cross.

I will leave you with a verse that I consider often when planning and teaching in Kids Ministry and some resources about practical ways to talk about the cross. “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” (Proverbs 22:6 NIV)

How to explain the resurrection to a child

Talking about the Cross with Young Children

https://foundationworldview.com/blog/teaching-kids-about-the-resurrection

10 Resources to Teach Kids About the Resurrection